What are Pine County Public Records?
Minn. Stat. § 13.03 defines a Pine County public record as information created, archived, used, or released by a local government entity, irrespective of its form or current condition. These records include photographs, microfilms, charts, reports, tapes, writings, optical disks, and documentary material.
However, although the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) allows members of the public to access government records, some records are confidential by law or court order. Records exempted from public access are termed "nonpublic data" or "protected nonpublic data" in Minnesota. Examples include:
- Academic, medical, welfare information, and mental impressions
- Information that identifies victims of domestic abuse, ill-treatment of minors or vulnerable adults, and criminal sexual behavior
- Investigative information on allegations against law enforcement personnel
In addition to government agencies, some public records may also be accessible from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The name of the subject involved in the record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Pine County Crime Statistics
Per the 2020 Uniform Crime Report (UCR) published by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Pine County reported 90 violent and 837 property crimes in 2020. Specifically, the county has 1 murder, 12 rape cases, 6 robberies, 71 aggravated assaults, 212 burglaries, 457 larcenies, 92 motor vehicle thefts, and 5 arson.
According to the 2019 UCR, Pine County recorded 138 violent and 567 property crimes. This included 42 rapes, 3 robberies, 93 aggravated assaults, 126 burglaries, 374 larcenies, 63 motor vehicle theft, and 4 arson. No murder occurred in the county.
The above report shows that violent crimes in Pine County reduced by approximately 35%, while property crime increased by 48%.
Are Pine County Criminal Records Public?
Most Pine County criminal records are public. However, criminal records like juvenile records are not public information. Persons who require a copy of a Pine County criminal record (also called criminal history) must request it from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) in person or via mail. Below is the BCA's physical address:
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
CHA Unit
1430 Maryland Avenue, East
Saint Paul, MN 55106
Phone: (651) 793-2400
How to Obtain Pine County Police Reports and Arrest Records
Police reports and arrest records in Pine County, Minnesota, can be obtained at the sheriff's office. These records include an individual's arrests, arrest searches, warrants, mugshots, and the arresting officer's name, to mention a few details. Record requests can be forwarded via email to records@co.pine.mn.us or submitted in person at the following address:
Pine County Sheriff's Office
635 Northridge Drive Northwest
Suite 100
Pine City, MN 55063
Phone: (320) 629-8380
Fax: (320) 629-8392
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Pine County
Anyone seeking information about sex offenders in Pine County can submit a criminal complaint request or request the sentencing documents of the offender at the county court where the hearing took place. This costs $10.
Another way of getting sex offender information is to search Minnesota's predatory offender registry, which the county sheriff's office regularly contributes to, to find non-compliant offenders.
In Minnesota, sex offenders are categorized into three risk levels:
- Level 1: The risk of a repeat offense is low
- Level 2: The risk of recidivism is moderate
- Level 3: The risk of a repeat offense is high and a potential threat to public safety.
Generally, details about level 1 and 2 sex offenders are not open to the public, but the information may become accessible if an offender is non-compliant. (Minn. Stat. § 243.166 allows the public to access information about non-compliant sex offenders.)
How to Find Pine County Inmate Records
Pine County inmate records can be found on the county sheriff's jail website. The site has an inmate roster, which the public can review to find information on an inmate confined in the Pine County jail. Family members, friends, and attorneys can also use the website to check the status of their incarcerated relatives, friends, or clients.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Pine County Jail
Members of the public can visit inmates housed in Pine County jail. However, visitors must adhere to the following rules.
- Be 18 years of age or older (an adult must accompany a minor) and have a valid ID.
- Adhere to the dressing code (all clothing must be loose-fitting, and footwear is mandatory)
- Onsite visitations are open on a scheduled basis only with at least one day's notice
- Walk-in visitations are not allowed.
- Inmates are allowed one visit per day or two visits per week or are not allowed to receive visitors.
- Visitors are allowed 20 minutes each with inmates, and visits are monitored and recorded.
- Visitors under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be allowed to visit.
- Visitors cannot bring in food or drinks, cell phones, iPads, electronic devices, photographs, or recording equipment.
- Visitors are subject to body searches in the public lobby of the facility.
- Visitors must remain seated for the duration of the visit and are not allowed to switch terminals to visit other inmates.
All prospective visitors are advised to schedule a visit online to visit an inmate. The scheduled visitation hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Pine County Court Records
Pine County has one district court. The Pine County District Court has original jurisdiction over all civil, family, probate, juvenile, criminal and traffic cases filed in the county. The court is situated at:
Pine County Courthouse
635 Northridge Drive Northwest
Suite 320
Pine City, MN 55063
Phone: (320) 591-1500
Fax: (320) 591-1524
Are Pine County Court Records Public?
Yes. Pine County court records are open to the public under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. However, there are limits on public access to some court records.
The Pine County district courthouse offers electronic access to court records through public access terminals and the Minnesota Court Record Online Case Search tool. Paper copies of court records can also be accessed from the district court for a fee.
How to Obtain Pine County Civil Court Case Records
Anyone seeking Pine County civil court case records can access the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) Case Search tool. Record seekers must provide specific case information, such as the case type (civil), case status, court location, and name of a case party, to retrieve a case record.
How to Obtain Pine County Criminal Court Records
Persons who wish to obtain Pine County criminal court records can try searching the Minnesota Court Records Online tool or contacting/visiting the Pine County District Court.
When using an online search tool, the user must input the name of the case party, case type (criminal), case status, or court location to obtain results.
What are Pine County Vital Records
Pine County vital records are reports of births, deaths, divorces, and marriages that occurred within the county. These records can be accessed at the local recorder's office and District Court.
Where and How to Obtain Pine County Divorce Records
Divorce decrees issued in Pine County are available at the District Court. Interested members of the public can obtain these records in person or by mail. However, they must provide details such as a divorcee's name and the divorce date to the Pine County District Court Clerk to expedite the search.
Where and How to Get Pine County Marriage Records
Individuals can obtain Pine County marriage records through the Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS), a searchable database of marriage certificates that is regularly updated and maintained by the Minnesota counties. Persons requiring copies of marriage certificates issued in Pine County can also query the district court clerk.
Where and How to Get Pine County Confidential Marriage Records
A public marriage is the most common marriage type in Pine County. For this reason, marriage records are generally available to the public and can be easily accessed by anyone interested.
Where and How to Find Pine County Birth Records
A birth certificate is a type of birth record that contains information about a person's birth. This includes the subject's name, sex, date and place of birth, and parents' information.
In Pine County, individuals can request a certified or non-certified birth certificate from the recorder's office in person or by mail. Persons who require a certified copy must have a tangible interest in the record they seek.
A certified copy of a birth certificate costs $26 (and $19 for each additional copy). Meanwhile, a non-certified copy of a birth certificate costs $13 ($6 for each extra copy). All fees are non-refundable and payable via check, credit card, or cash. Credit card transactions attract a 3% convenience fee.
Requesters must also submit an application form that bears a notarized signature and date, plus a valid ID, to the county recorder at the following address:
Pine County Recorder's Office
635 Northridge Drive Northwest
Suite 250
Pine City, MN 55063
Phone: (320) 591-1642
Fax: (320) 591-1646
Alternatively, individuals can send requests for Pine County birth certificates to the Minnesota Department of Health. Each requester must notarize the relevant application form before submission. The department only accepts birth certificate requests by mail or fax.
Where and How to Find Pine County Death Records
A death record contains the cause and manner of death, as written by medical professionals. A death certificate reveals the date, time, and place of death, and other information that identifies the person who died.
An individual can request a certified or non-certified copy of a death certificate from the Pine County Recorder's Office in person or via mail. However, only individuals with a tangible interest in a record can access certified copies of a death certificate.
Every requester must pay a non-refundable fee of $13 for the first copy of a certified death certificate and $6 for each additional copy. Requesters can pay with cash, check, or credit card. However, a credit card payment comes with a 3% convenience fee.
Individuals can also send a death record request to the Minnesota Department of Health by mail or fax.
